The Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety heard an update from Street Superintendent Jim Marquardt and approved a Speed Hump on Baker St.
Marquardt updated the board that discussions from Complete Street Committee meetings have included a request from the Plymouth Community School Corporation to install removable speed humps on Baker St. where the kids cross to the soccer field by the current crosswalk. The humps are temporary and will be used only during relevant athletic seasons and events. Temporary signage would also inform drivers.
Marquardt did inform the school and the board that it is not within his current budget to accommodate the request, but the corporation is willing to fund the device if approved for use.
The board approved the request; the school corporation will fund the project and the Street Department will assist with placement and removal.
Councilman Randy Longanecker noted additional safety concerns regarding people running the three-way stop at Baker St. and Columbus Drive and where children are crossing to access vehicles parked in the gravel bordering corporation property. Noting more than one safety concern, Longanecker requested that the whole area be addressed. The possibility of increased police patrol was discussed.
Marquardt noted that distracted driving is also concern; people who are occupied with their cellular phones are not paying attention to signage. As a reminder, the State of Indiana has enacted the hands-free law; Indiana law prohibits drivers from holding mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets in their hands while driving to reduce distracted driving and improve safety on Hoosier roadways (in.gov).
Marquardt informed that board that he has not heard when the Community Crossings Project on Gibson St. and LaPorte St. will begin; but hopes a pre-construction meeting is in the near future.
